Analysis

Was Babri Demolition Merely A Religious Zealotry?

The Milli Gazette

Published Online: Dec 11, 2015

Print Issue: 16-31 December 2015

The demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 was not only an act of religious bigotry but it was also a well-organised plan to establish Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) as the face of Hindutva.

BJP is the successor of Jana Sangh. It was formed in 1980 after differences in the Janta Party (JD)vis-à-vis Jan Sangh leaders who had joined JD but retained their logyalty to the RSS. Initially. The BJP did not have any solid vote bank. hence it won only two seats in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections. It took this setback as lesson and reworked its policies. L.K Advani was appointed as party president. Under him, BJP transformed using Vajpayee’s moderate face as champion of Hindus.

In October 1984, Vishwa Hindu Parishad under late Ashok Singhal launched ‘Ram Janki Yatra’ to liberate Ram idol which was placed in the Babri Masjid in December 1949. The movement aimed at creating mass mobilization of Hindus in the name of Rama, although it was opposed by local people of Ayodhya who made it clear to VHP leaders that they were not in favour of any communal trouble in their area.

After the gates of Babri Masjid were opened for Hindu worship in 1986 and Shilanyas was allowed in 1989 by the government of Rajiv Gandhi, the demand for the construction of a temple at the site of the mosque got political recognition. Advani in September 1990 started his rath yatra to mobilize public opinion in favour of rebuilding the Rama temple exactly at the spot where Babri Masjid stood. Karsevas of 1990 and 1992 finally led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid on 6 December 1992. It completely shifted the Indian democracy to a new phase marked by bigotry and open hate.

For this sacrilege BJP was duly rewarded in later elections which further strengthened the RSS ideology.

The extreme Hindu Nationalism of the BJP is the only device at its disposal to win votes. They are adamant to treat this path although it is wreaking havoc to the social fabric and harmony of the Indian society. Issues like beef are raised only at the time of elections with a view to benefit politically.

Babri Masjid demolition became a benchmark for students and researchers of communal politics and the extreme Hindu politics in India.

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